Health Tip: Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

Painful or bloody urination are common warning signs

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(HealthDay News) -- Urinary tract infections affect women more than men, and seniors and diabetics are at greater risk.

The infections often occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract during sexual intercourse, pregnancy or menopause, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. They're also bought on by kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, lack of fluids, or insertion of a catheter during a medical procedure.

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infection include a constant feeling of needing to urinate, and a burning sensation while urinating. Pain during intercourse, cloudy or bloody urine, or urine with a strong smell may also indicate an infection.

Treatment usually includes a round of antibiotics. Without proper treatment, the infection could advance to the kidneys and cause other serious complications.